Dodgers first baseman James Loney is off to another slow start.
Loney went into Tuesday's game batting .198 and was hitless in his last 13 at-bats.
Manager Don Mattingly said that if Loney doesn't start hitting, his playing time could be cut.
"To me, we're getting to the point where it's just a production thing," Mattingly said. "You have to throw up some numbers out there somehow, some way. ... We have to find production from him. It's kind of that simple now."
The Dodgers have more lineup flexibility than they did a year ago, when Mattingly had no other viable options at first base outside of Loney. With the recent addition of outfielder Bobby Abreu, Mattingly can move Juan Rivera from left field to first base more often.
As it is, Loney has started only seven of the 14 games in which the Dodgers have faced a left-handed starting pitcher. Through Monday, Loney was hitting .111 against left-handers.
His playing time against right-handers could also be reduced.
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